Supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems for customized constriction of apparel

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to apparel constriction systems that avoid both unraveling and the sag effect for articles of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, through the use of more customized constriction. In particular, the present invention offers supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel comprising at least one constriction clasp and one constriction anchor that are positioned on opposite sides of the apparel and that reversibly couple in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel. Such systems afford customized constriction that prevents constriction unraveling and the resulting sag effect.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/353,041, filed on Jun. 17, 2022; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Apparel, or personal attire, affects every single person, albeit slightly differently. Each person makes selections for a variety of reasons, including mood, representation, or even the setting itself. From the casual to the professional, and from private to the public, there are clothes a person wears directly on their skin, and those that form layers or outer wear. In variety, there are no bounds in the specifics of clothing, but generally, clothes for public appearance differ from clothes that people elect to wear in private.

With differences, however, there are also similarities among the structural motifs of apparel. In particular, there is a common structure for shirts, coats/jackets, robes, skirts, sweaters and even some pants having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel. These common articles of apparel not only have well-known problems with unraveling/loosening as the underlapped and overlapping sides freely slip past each other, but this also contributes to a sag effect in sections of the apparel removed from the location of any cinching or constricting that can then flare open (i.e., the further the removal from the cinch point the greater the sag effect); which can have some more consequential revelations of body parts that are embarrassing and unfortunate, e.g., robes or overcoats that sag and flare open even when tied or belted at the waist.

For generations, numerous solutions have attempted to offer adjustability to clothing. In fact, many of these types of apparel are designed with mechanisms of cinching or constricting, including belts, tie wraps, and drawstrings. Alternatively, some of these mechanisms may be added as supplemental accessories to these articles of apparel. However, such known solutions, while capable of constriction, have failed to offer any solutions that avoid the known problems relating to the unraveling and resulting sag effect in articles of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article.

As such, there remains a need for apparel constriction systems that avoid both unraveling and the sag effect for articles of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, through the use of more customizable constriction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to apparel constriction systems that avoid both unraveling and the sag effect for articles of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, through the use of more customized constriction. In particular, the present invention offers supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel comprising at least one constriction clasp and one constriction anchor that are positioned on opposite sides of the apparel and that reversibly couple in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel. Such systems afford customized constriction that prevents constriction unraveling and the resulting sag effect.

One aspect of the present invention provides a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, the system comprising: a constriction clasp comprising a reversible locking component fixed to an expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through a fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the expansion head, wherein the fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a first backing component that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the expansion head and the first backing component; and a constriction anchor comprising an anchor head flange fixed to a second fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the anchor head flange, wherein the second fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a second backing component that holds the second fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the anchor head flange and the second backing component, and wherein the anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the reversible locking component in the locked position, wherein one of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor may be positioned on the closure edge of the overlapping side of the article of apparel and the other of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor may be positioned on the underlapped side of the article of apparel to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the underlapped side position in relation to the reach of the position of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor on the overlapping side, to reversibly couple the constriction clasp and constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of customized apparel constriction by utilizing a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of present invention.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a constriction anchor system kit comprising: a second constriction clasp; and a second constriction anchor; wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component that holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component; and the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a constriction anchor system kit comprising: a second constriction clasp; and a second constriction anchor; wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein the second constriction clasp comprises a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed to a second reversible locking component, wherein the third backing component holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component; and the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of the present systems, kits, and methods will be apparent from the following detailed description, which description should be considered in combination with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective of an exemplary embodiment of a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of the present invention. In particular, the depiction shows a constriction clasp comprising a reversible locking component fixed to an expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through a fabric material and interlocked with a first backing component that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place, which is shown reversibly locking with a constriction anchor comprising an anchor head flange fixed to a second fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material constructed to interlock with a second backing component; retaining the reversible locking component in the locked position.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of certain components of a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of the present invention. In particular, the depiction shows a second constriction clasp comprising a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed to a second reversible locking component, which is shown reversibly locking with a second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component; retaining the second reversible locking component in the locked position.

FIG. 3 depicts an article of apparel that is a robe demonstrating positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 . First and second constriction anchors are shown on the edge of the overlapping and underlapped sides of the robe. The first constriction clasp is shown at the hip of the underiapped side (right side), and the bottom of the second constriction clasp, including insertion shaft tip and fourth backing component is shown on the hip of the overlapping side (left side).

FIG. 4 depicts the article of apparel that is a robe of FIG. 3 demonstrating positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 . The robe is depicted with the overlapping side (left side) open to visualize the inside of the robe and depicting the top of the second constriction clasp at the hip, and the bottom of the first constriction anchor at the edge of the overlapping side, including insertion shaft tip and second backing component.

FIG. 5 depicts the article of apparel that is a robe of FIG. 3 demonstrating positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 in the locked position. The first constriction anchor on the overlapping side is shown reversibly coupled with the first constriction clasp shown at the hip of the underlapped side (right side) in the locked position. The bottom of the second constriction clasp; including insertion shaft tip and fourth backing component is shown on the hip of the over overlapping side (left side). In certain embodiments, the second constriction anchor and the second constriction clasp are reversibly coupled at the left hip of the depicted robe, first.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The sag effect can have very consequential, embarrassing, and unfortunate revelations of body parts, for example, where robes or overcoats sag and flare open even when tied or belted at the waist. Often, the sag effect is greater in sections of the apparel removed from the location of any cinching or constricting that can then flare open, which for female wearers can be especially revealing with respect to the chest area. This is also the case with other apparel with similar structure having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, including shirts, coats/jackets, robes, skirts, sweaters and even some pants. Such apparel not only have well-known problems with unraveling/loosening as the underlapped and overlapping sides freely slip past each other, but this also contributes to the problematic sag effect.

As such, the present invention is directed to apparel constriction systems that avoid both unraveling and the sag effect for articles of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, through the use of more customized constriction. In particular, the present invention offers supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel comprising at least one constriction clasp and one constriction anchor that are positioned on opposite sides of the apparel and that reversibly couple in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel. Such systems afford customized constriction that prevents constriction unraveling and the resulting sag effect.

The present invention, including systems, methods, and kits will be described with reference to the following definitions that, for convenience, are set forth below. Unless otherwise specified, the below terms used herein are defined as follows:

I. Definitions

As used herein, the term “a,” “an,” “the” and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

The term “about” is used herein in reference to the degree or extent of the term which it modifies, and that such extent may be 100% or near to but not exactly 100% of the modified term; industry accepted standards will assist in defining the quantitative aspects of how “near” 100% is defined. In particular embodiments, the term “about” indicates ±2%, ±1% or ±0.5%. In a particular embodiment, for example, the language “about 2.5 inches” would be exactly 2.5 inches; and in an alternative particular embodiment, for example, the language “about 2.5 inches” would mean 2.5 inches±2%, 2.5 inches±1%, or 2.5 inches±0.5%.

The language “and/or” is used herein to mean both “and” in the conjunctive form and “or” in the disjunctive form.

The language “closure edge” is used herein to describe the leading edge of the overlapping or underlapped material of an article of apparel that comprises structure having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel.

The term “constriction” is art-recognized, and is used herein to describe the action of making something narrower by tightening.

The term “exterior” is used to describe the face of the material of the apparel that is facing away from the user or wearer of the apparel.

The term “fabric” is art-recognized, and is used herein to describe cloth or other material produced by weaving together cotton, nylon, wool, silk, or other threads. Such fabric is used to prepare articles of apparel described herein.

The language “fixed to” is used herein to describe the secure connection of the reversible locking component to the constriction clasp, which may be connected directly or indirectly, e.g., through a linkage of varying size.

The language “hip area” is art-recognized, and is used to describe the region, e.g., on apparel, lateral and anterior to the gluteal region, inferior to the iliac crest, and overlying the greater trochanter of the femur, or “thigh bone”.

The term “interior” is used to describe the face of the material of the apparel that is facing inward toward the user or wearer of the apparel.

The language “locked position” is used herein to describe the reversible coupling of the constriction anchor and the constriction clasp, when coupled.

The language “overlapping side” is used herein to describe the side of an article of apparel that overlaps for the closure of the article, which is positioned furthest outward from the wearer, e.g., the side overwrapping the underlapped side.

As used herein, the term “reversible” or “reversibly” describes any mechanism or action that may be utilized to repeatably place a given item or items in one of two possible states, indefinitely. For example, a reversible locking component may be placed in locked position or in unlocked position, repeatably; this locking process is considered reversible.

The language “sag effect” is used herein to describe the unraveling/loosening of the underlapped and overlapping sides of an article of apparel that slip past each other removed from the location of any cinching or constricting that can then cause flaring open of the article of apparel or sagging (i.e., the further the removal from the cinch point the greater the sag effect), e.g., robes or overcoats of existing art demonstrate sag and flare open even when tied or belted at the waist.

The language “underlapped side” is used herein to describe the side of an article of apparel that overlaps for the closure of the article, which is placed closest to the wearer, e.g., the side which is being overwrapped by the overlapping side.

The term “waist” or “waistline” is art-recognized, and used herein to describe the line encircling the narrowest part the abdomen that lies between the hips and the rib cage.

II. Supplemental Apparel Constriction Anchor Systems of the Invention

The present invention provides a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system comprises a constriction clasp with a reversible locking component, and constriction anchor. The reversible locking component of the constriction clasp may be fixed to the expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft or the backing component that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place (which positioning in the fabric material may be adjusted based upon the desire to place the expansion head facing outward or inward).

The position of a constriction clasp in relation to its corresponding constriction anchor creates the customized constriction of an article of apparel. In particular, the selection of the position of a constriction clasp on the opposite side of the article of apparel from its corresponding constriction anchor may create the constriction desired, e.g., movement of the constriction clasp on the overlapping side further from the edge of the overlapping side would increase the constriction. Alternatively, the selection of the position of a constriction anchor on the opposite side of the article of apparel from its corresponding constriction clasp may create the constriction desired, e.g., movement of the constriction anchor on the underlapped side further towards the hip and away from the edge of the underlapped side would increase the constriction.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, the system comprising:

-   -   a constriction clasp comprising a reversible locking component         fixed to an expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft designed         to penetrate through a fabric material of the article of apparel         until reaching the expansion head, wherein the fabric insertion         shaft is constructed to interlock with a first backing component         that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric         material between the expansion head and the first backing         component; and     -   a constriction anchor comprising an anchor head flange fixed to         a second fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through         the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the         anchor head flange, wherein the second fabric insertion shaft is         constructed to interlock with a second backing component that         holds the second fabric insertion shaft in place within the         fabric material between the anchor head flange and the second         backing component, and wherein the anchor head flange is of         sufficient size to reversibly retain the reversible locking         component in the locked position,         wherein one of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor may         be positioned on the closure edge of the overlapping side of the         article of apparel and the other of the constriction clasp or         constriction anchor may be positioned on the underlapped side of         the article of apparel to allow customized constriction of the         article of apparel by selection of the underlapped side position         in relation to the reach of the position of the constriction         clasp or constriction anchor on the overlapping side, to         reversibly couple the constriction clasp and constriction anchor         in locked position for customized constriction of the article of         apparel.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system further comprises a second constriction clasp and a second constriction anchor, wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein

-   -   the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible         locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third         fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric         material of the article of apparel until reaching the second         expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is         constructed to interlock with a third backing component that         holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the         fabric material between the second expansion head and the third         backing component; and     -   the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head         flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to         penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel         until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth         fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth         backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft         in place within the fabric material between the second anchor         head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the         second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly         retain the second reversible locking component in the locked         position.         In certain embodiments, the second anchor head flange or second         expansion head is positioned on the interior of the overlapping         side facing inward toward the user.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system further comprises a second constriction clasp and a second constriction anchor, wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein

-   -   the second constriction clasp comprises a second expansion head         of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through         the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the         second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft         is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed         to a second reversible locking component, wherein the third         backing component holds the third fabric insertion shaft in         place within the fabric material between the second expansion         head and the third backing component; and     -   the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head         flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to         penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel         until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth         fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth         backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft         in place within the fabric material between the second anchor         head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the         second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly         retain the second reversible locking component in the locked         position.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the constriction clasps and the constriction anchors are positioned at or near the waistline (e.g., to afford adjustability at the waist).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the anchor head flange or expansion head that is positioned on the underlapped side is positioned at the hip area of the user.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the second anchor head flange or second expansion head that is positioned on the interior of the overlapping side is positioned at the hip area of the user.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the article of apparel comprises a belt or tie (e.g., wherein the belt or tie can be removed/replaced by the present invention).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the system serves as a replacement for a belt.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the article of apparel is a robe.

A. Constriction Clasps of the Invention

The supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems of the present invention comprise a constriction clasp. The constriction clasp comprises a reversible locking component fixed to an expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through a fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the expansion head. The fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a first backing component that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the expansion head and the first backing component.

The position of a constriction clasp in relation to its corresponding constriction anchor creates the customized constriction of an article of apparel. In particular, the selection of the position of a constriction clasp on the opposite side of the article of apparel from its corresponding constriction anchor may create the constriction desired, e.g., movement of the constriction clasp on the overlapping side further from the edge of the overlapping side would increase the constriction.

Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a second constriction clasp. The second constriction clasp may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side (depending on which side the second constriction clasp is placed), to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel.

In certain embodiments, the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component that holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component.

In certain embodiments, the second constriction clasp comprises a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed to a second reversible locking component, wherein the third backing component holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the constriction clasps are positioned at or near the waistline (e.g., to afford adjustability at the waist).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the expansion head is a rounded ball shape (i.e., which doesn't penetrate the fabric material).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the locking component is a circular clasp. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the circular clasp is about 2.5 inches or less, e.g., 2.0 inches.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the locking component is an elastic loop. In certain embodiments, the elastic loop thickness ranges from about 2 mm to about 8 mm (e.g., about 4 mm to about 8 mm, e.g., 4 mm).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the shaft length, i.e., fabric insertion shaft (e.g., first or third) may be selected from a range of about 0.25 inches to about 1.25 inches (e.g., about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches, e.g., about 1.0 to about 1.25 inches).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the shaft thickness is suitable to withstand bending when in use.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the fabric insertion shaft is a straight shaft.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by the interaction of the backing component with a grove (or notch) in the fabric insertion shaft.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by a clamping design of the backing component.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may further comprise an endcap that blunts the insertion shaft tip. In particular embodiments, this is integrated with the backing component.

B. Constriction Anchors of the Invention

The supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems of the present invention comprise a constriction anchor. The constriction anchor comprises an anchor head flange fixed to a second fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the anchor head flange. The second fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a second backing component that holds the second fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the anchor head flange and the second backing component. Further, the anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the reversible locking component in the locked position, e.g., offers a ridge of sufficient size under which the reversible locking component is reversibly retained.

The position of a constriction anchor in relation to its corresponding constriction clasp creates the customized constriction of an article of apparel. In particular, the selection of the position of a constriction anchor on the opposite side of the article of apparel from its corresponding constriction clasp may create the constriction desired, e.g., movement of the constriction anchor on the underlapped side further towards the hip and away from the edge of the underlapped side would increase the constriction.

Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a second constriction anchor. The second constriction anchor may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side (depending on which side the second constriction anchor is placed), to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel.

In certain embodiments, the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the constriction anchors are positioned at or near the waistline (e.g., to afford adjustability at the waist).

In certain embodiments, the anchor head flange is disc shaped (e.g., and fixed perpendicular to the fabric insertion shaft), and which does not penetrate the fabric material. In this embodiment, the disc serves as the flange edge/ridge under which the reversible locking component is reversibly retained.

In certain embodiments, the anchor head flange comprises advertisement (e.g., logo, branding, or design). In certain embodiments, the advertisement is removable. In particular embodiments, the advertisement is snapped into position through a reversible snap.

In certain embodiments, the shaft length, i.e., fabric insertion shaft (e.g., second or fourth) may be selected from a range of about 0.25 inches to about 1.25 inches (e.g., about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches, e.g., about 1.0 to about 1.25 inches).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the shaft thickness is suitable to withstand bending when in use.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the fabric insertion shaft is a straight shaft.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by the interaction of the backing component with a grove (or notch) in the fabric insertion shaft.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by a clamping design of the backing component.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may further comprise an endcap that blunts the insertion shaft tip. In particular embodiments, this is integrated with the backing component.

III. Additional Embodiments of the Invention

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of customized apparel constriction by utilizing a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a constriction anchor system kit comprising:

-   -   a second constriction clasp of the present invention; and     -   a second constriction anchor of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a constriction anchor system kit comprising:

-   -   a second constriction clasp; and     -   a second constriction anchor;         wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the         closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel         couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow         customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection         of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the         position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction         anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second         constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked         position for customized constriction of the article of apparel,         wherein     -   the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible         locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third         fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric         material of the article of apparel until reaching the second         expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is         constructed to interlock with a third backing component that         holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the         fabric material between the second expansion head and the third         backing component; and     -   the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head         flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to         penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel         until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth         fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth         backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft         in place within the fabric material between the second anchor         head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the         second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly         retain the second reversible locking component in the locked         position.         In certain embodiments, the second anchor head flange or second         expansion head is positioned on the interior of the overlapping         side facing inward toward the user.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a constriction anchor system kit comprising:

-   -   a second constriction clasp; and     -   a second constriction anchor;         wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the         closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel         couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow         customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection         of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the         position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction         anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second         constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked         position for customized constriction of the article of apparel,         wherein     -   the second constriction clasp comprises a second expansion head         of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through         the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the         second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft         is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed         to a second reversible locking component, wherein the third         backing component holds the third fabric insertion shaft in         place within the fabric material between the second expansion         head and the third backing component; and     -   the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head         flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to         penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel         until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth         fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth         backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft         in place within the fabric material between the second anchor         head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the         second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly         retain the second reversible locking component in the locked         position.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the second constriction clasp and the second constriction anchor are positioned at or near the waistline (e.g., to afford adjustability at the waist).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the second anchor head flange or second expansion head that is positioned on the underlapped side is positioned at the hip area of the user.

IV. Design Aspects of the Invention

Independent of the utility related to the supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems of the present invention, the ornamental appearance of any novel design provided herein is intended to be part of this invention, for example, each of the perspective view in FIGS. 1 to 5 , which may form an independent or combined ornamental appearance of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system described herein.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provide an ornamental design for a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system as shown and described.

EXEMPLIFICATION

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, and the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and which are not intended to be limiting in any way.

In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the Figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Example 1 Exemplary Embodiment: Supplemental Apparel Constriction Anchor System

An exemplary embodiment of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems comprises a constriction clasp with a reversible locking component, and constriction anchor. In certain embodiments, the reversible locking component of the constriction clasp may be fixed to the expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft.

FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective of an exemplary embodiment of a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of the present invention. In particular, the depiction shows a constriction clasp comprising reversible locking component 3 fixed by linkage 2 to an expansion head 1 of a fabric insertion shaft 4 designed to penetrate through a fabric material and interlocked with a first backing component 5 that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place. This constriction clasp is shown reversibly locking with a constriction anchor comprising an anchor head flange 7 fixed to a second fabric insertion shaft 8 designed to penetrate through the fabric material constructed to interlock with a second backing component 9; retaining the reversible locking component in the locked position. The backing components 5 and 9 interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shafts 4 and 8 further comprise an endcap 6 and 10, respectively, which blunts the insertion shaft tip.

FIG. 3 depicts an article of apparel that is a robe 12 demonstrating in certain embodiments of positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 . First constriction anchor 14 and second constriction anchor 13 are shown on the edge of the overlapping and underlapped sides of the robe 12. The first constriction clasp 15 is shown at the hip of the underlapped side (right side), and the bottom of the second constriction clasp 16, including insertion shaft tip and fourth backing component is shown on the hip of the overlapping side (left side).

FIG. 4 depicts the article of apparel that is a robe 12 of FIG. 3 demonstrating in certain embodiments of positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 . The robe 12 is depicted with the overlapping side (left side) open to visualize the inside of the robe 12 and depicting the top of the second constriction clasp at the nip 18, and the bottom of the first constriction anchor at the edge of the overlapping side 17, including insertion shaft tip and second backing component.

FIG. 5 depicts the article of apparel that is a robe 12 of FIG. 3 demonstrating in certain embodiments of positioning for use of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of FIG. 1 in the locked position. The first constriction anchor 14 on the overlapping side is shown reversibly coupled with the first constriction clasp 15 shown at the hip of the underlapped side (right side) in the locked position. The bottom of the second constriction clasp 16, including insertion shaft Up and fourth backing component is shown on the hip of the over overlapping side (left side). In certain embodiments, the second constriction anchor and the second constriction clasp are reversibly coupled at the left hip of the depicted robe 12, first.

Example 2 Exemplary Embodiment: Supplemental Apparel Constriction Anchor System

An exemplary embodiment of the supplemental apparel constriction anchor systems comprises a second constriction clasp with a second reversible locking component, and second constriction anchor. In certain embodiments, the structure of the constriction clasp is similar to that shown in Example 1. In certain other embodiments, the reversible locking component of the second constriction clasp may be fixed to the third backing component that holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective of an exemplary embodiment of certain components of a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of the present invention. In particular, the depiction shows a second constriction clasp comprising a second expansion head 13 of a third fabric insertion shaft 14 designed to penetrate through the fabric material, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft 14 is constructed to interlock with a third backing component 11 fixed to a second reversible locking component 16 through linkage 15. The second constriction clasp is shown reversibly locking with a second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange 17 fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft 18 designed to penetrate through the fabric material constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component 19; retaining the second reversible locking component 16 in the locked position. The backing components 11 and 19 interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shafts 14 and 18 further comprise an endcap 12 and 20, respectively, which blunts the insertion shaft tip.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents were considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims. Moreover, any numerical or alphabetical ranges provided herein are intended to include both the upper and lower value of those ranges. In addition, any listing or grouping is intended, at least in one embodiment, to represent a shorthand or convenient manner of listing independent embodiments; as such, each member of the list should be considered a separate embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A supplemental apparel constriction anchor system suitable for customized constriction of an article of apparel having two sides that overlap for closure of the article of apparel, the system comprising: a constriction clasp comprising a reversible locking component fixed to an expansion head of a fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through a fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the expansion head, wherein the fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a first backing component that holds the fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the expansion head and the first backing component; and a constriction anchor comprising an anchor head flange fixed to a second fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the anchor head flange, wherein the second fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a second backing component that holds the second fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the anchor head flange and the second backing component, and wherein the anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the reversible locking component in the locked position, wherein one of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor may be positioned on the closure edge of the overlapping side of the article of apparel and the other of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor may be positioned on the underlapped side of the article of apparel to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the underlapped side position in relation to the reach of the position of the constriction clasp or constriction anchor on the overlapping side, to reversibly couple the constriction clasp and constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel.
 2. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1 further comprising a second constriction clasp and a second constriction anchor, wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component that holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component; and the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position.
 3. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 2, wherein the second anchor head flange or second expansion head is positioned on the interior of the overlapping side facing inward toward the user.
 4. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1 further comprising a second constriction clasp and a second constriction anchor, wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein the second constriction clasp comprises a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component fixed to a second reversible locking component, wherein the third backing component holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component; and the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position.
 5. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the anchor head flange or expansion head that is positioned on the underlapped side is positioned at the hip area of the user.
 6. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the second anchor head flange or second expansion head that is positioned on the interior of the overlapping side is positioned at the hip area of the user.
 7. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the locking component is a circular clasp
 8. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 7, wherein the diameter of the circular clasp is about 2.5 inches or less.
 9. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the locking component is an elastic loop.
 10. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 9, wherein the elastic loop thickness ranges from about 2 mm to about 8 mm.
 11. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the fabric insertion shaft length may be selected from a range of about 0.25 inches to about 1.25 inches.
 12. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the fabric insertion shaft is a straight shaft.
 13. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the anchor head flange is disc shaped.
 14. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the anchor head flange comprises advertisement.
 15. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the expansion head is a rounded ball shape.
 16. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by the interaction of the backing component with a grove or notch in the fabric insertion shaft.
 17. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the backing component interlocking with the corresponding fabric insertion shaft may be supplied by a clamping design of the backing component.
 18. The supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim 1, wherein the article of apparel is a robe.
 19. A method of customized apparel constriction by utilizing a supplemental apparel constriction anchor system of claim
 1. 20. A constriction anchor system kit comprising: a second constriction clasp; and a second constriction anchor; wherein each may be positioned so that the exterior of the closure edge of the underlapped side of the article of apparel couples with the interior of overlapping side, to allow customized constriction of the article of apparel by selection of the overlapping side position in relation to the reach of the position of the second constriction clasp or second constriction anchor on the underlapped side, to reversibly couple the second constriction clasp and second constriction anchor in locked position for customized constriction of the article of apparel, wherein the second constriction clasp comprises a second reversible locking component fixed to a second expansion head of a third fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second expansion head, wherein the third fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a third backing component that holds the third fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second expansion head and the third backing component; and the second constriction anchor comprising a second anchor head flange fixed to a fourth fabric insertion shaft designed to penetrate through the fabric material of the article of apparel until reaching the second anchor head flange, wherein the fourth fabric insertion shaft is constructed to interlock with a fourth backing component that holds the fourth fabric insertion shaft in place within the fabric material between the second anchor head flange and the fourth backing component, and wherein the second anchor head flange is of sufficient size to reversibly retain the second reversible locking component in the locked position. 